Deborah Lynn McElwain

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William Jewell College

Deborah McElwain Obituary

Deborah Lynn McElwain, 20, of Macon, MO, passed away on Sunday, July 4, 2004, as the result of a car accident near Lebanon, MO. Debbie was born April 28, 1984, the daughter of Gary and Kathryn McCarty McElwain. She graduated from Macon High School with the class of 2002. She was a member of the Macon High School cheerleading squad for four years and was co-captain her senior year. Debbie was also a member of the FCCLA, Chapter BZ PEO, Macon High School Choir, was a STAR Events winner and received the Outstanding Early Childhood Student award. She was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority Spirit Team and was a member of the Cheerleading Squad at William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. She participated in the Prior Leadership Group. She was entering her Junior Year at William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Macon, MO. Surviving are her parents, Gary & Kathy McElwain of Macon; her grandparents, Ginny & Gene McCarty of Kansas City, MO; one brother, Adam McElwain of Columbia; and several cousins, aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Isabel & Ralph McElwain. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, 2004, at the First Christian Church in Macon, with Dr. Lou Wollenberg and Brother Jim Bolin officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens at Macon. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the First Christian Church. The family suggests memorials to the First Christian Church or William Jewell College. (Arrangements: Hutton & McElwain Funeral Home, Macon, MO)

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Published by Kansas City Star on Jul. 6, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah McElwain

11 Entries

Sue Straeter

July 20, 2004

Dear Kathy and Gary,

I just received the news of Deborah's passing. My heart grieves for you as you mourn. May the love of family and friends give you consolation. With Christian love and hope, Sue Straeter

Jane Willson

July 10, 2004

Dear Kathy, Gary, Adam, Aunt Ginny, Uncle Gene, Teri, Gene, Rosie, Jessica, Casey & all of Debbie's family & many friends:

It has taken me several days to compose my thoughts as I move from shock to grief. It still seems unbelievable that Debbie is gone, and I can't imagine the pain you are all feeling right now.

I wanted to tell you & others what I noticed most about our beloved Debbie at our family reunion just last month.

What I saw, heard and felt was a beautiful, intelligent, sensitive, spirited, loving young lady. Her devotion and love for you, Adam was apparent, as it has been throughout your lives together. It is clear you two have an unspoken bond that can never be broken. I saw a gleam in her eyes, as she proudly spoke of you Jessica, describing her "insider information" when writing a report about Africa. It seemed you two were leading parallel lives, both wanting to teach and mentor children. She laughed and chided you, Casey about your upcoming trek through the wilderness, knowing what was ahead for you. I'm sure I heard several jokes & saw hugs shared with her Aunt Rosie & Aunt Teri & Uncle Gene. No doubt, you've shared many through the years. You all are so blessed to have that relationship in your hearts.

She was thrilled to learn her little 2nd cousin, Megan would be going to cheerleading camp, knowing the joy it would bring her. Debbie absolutely adored holding, feeding and playing with her little cousin twins. It was obvious she would be a wonderful teacher and mother. When I asked her if she had a boyfriend, Debbie got that little grin that told me all I needed to know, and excitedly told me about her sweetie. She was so anxious to see her friends at William Jewel and obviously had many.

I observed a devoted granddaughter as she cherished you, Aunt Ginny & Uncle Gene. You were all looking forward to more time together, and what a gift you had during your many visits. Mostly, I observed the unmistakable bond between Debbie and you, Kathy & Gary. She would tease you both, and you would knowingly smile and take it in stride as all parents do. It was crystal clear you shared a kind of special love and trust that most parents only dream about.

To take such a beautiful light from this world, God must have a grand purpose that our earthly minds can’t comprehend. I truly hope in time, you will find peace and comfort. My very deepest sympathies are with you all, and I pray for you and grieve with you.

My love, Jane

Lou Gardner

July 8, 2004

Francis Reinhart told me of your daughter going to meet the Lord. My heart goes out to you and your family in the loss of Deborah.

May you be able to turn to the Lord not in finding the answer as to why but in finding strength till you meet again.

Abby Heffernan

July 7, 2004

I just wanted to let Debbies family know that my heart and prayers are with them. I knew Debbie through Cheerleading and Non Profit Leadership Class for American Humanics. I did not know her well but what I did know was that she was a beautiful lady who spread love and cheer to all those she came in contact with. I feel very fortunate to have known Debbie and can assure you she will be missed around the WJC campus. Her dreams live on. Thank you Debbie for leading a life of cheer.

Stanley Bird

July 7, 2004

Dear Gary and Kathy,
Maureen called us to tell us of your great loss. We recalled seeing Deborah at The Pear Tree a year or so ago and and Stanley especially remembered that she had been chosen to be a cheerleader at William Jewell.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to all your family at this time.
Stanley and Jean Anne Bird

Mary Martz Mulligan

July 7, 2004

Dear Gary,

What a terrible loss that you, Kathy and Adam have suffered! Your daughter must have been a wonderful, vibrant girl who touched many lives. God bless you all.

Larry Frazier

July 6, 2004

Dear Gary & Kathy, Jim Martin called me this morning to let me know of your loss. I am very sorry to hear. If there is any thing I can do for yoy, please let me know.

Laura McElwain

July 6, 2004

I find it appropriate that I am one of the first people to sign Debbie's online guest book, as I am her cousin who lives in London and regrettably am unable to attend her services. However, the internet makes it possible to be closer in touch, even when a ocean separates us.

My favorite memory of Debbie is from July 2001 when I went to Macon for a couple days. As we had done several summers in previous years we went out on the speed boat, then Debbie and I took turns driving the waverunner. No one else shared my love of speed on the water like Debbie did, and she was the one who dared me to go faster and faster, especially on turns. I will never again get on a waverunner without remembering this wonderful memory of Debbie and her love of the water.

The most memorable part of my trip was one evening when Debbie took me cruising around town. As was characteristic of Debbie, she was bubbly with smiles, everyone honking and waving to her as we passed. She was in her element as we cruised through town - being the friendly social bug that she was, and how fun it was for me to be a part of that. The funniest part of the evening was after we had arrived home (we did make curfew!) and she immediately ran into her bedroom and talked for over an hour on messenger with her boyfriend. She had cleverly worked out how she could continue to chat with her boyfriend after curfew without her parents knowing!

Another memory that I hold especially dear was when Debbie, along with Uncle Gary, Aunt Kathy and Adam came to Scotland two summers ago. I had just finished my exams in grad school and we went on vacation in Scotland together. How special it was to me that all of them came to the UK where I lived so we could all vacation together. It was also the beginning of the so-called McElwain Brothers touring company!

Debbie will always be remembered for her smiles, her good heart, her friendly personality and I'll always remember the cheerleader in her. And as pink was her favorite color, pink will forever have a special meaning to me. My first memory of her was Christmas 1985 when she was wearing a pink dress, and little did we know then that that color would become so special to her.

She must be the prettiest angel in Heaven now, with her infectious smiles and dressed in her bright pinks.

Kimberly Brand

July 6, 2004

My heart goes out to you. Debbie was a beautiful, special young lady whom I am proud to say is my friend. We all love her and miss her...my prayers are with you.

Love,

Kimberly L. Brand

Chapter K PEO

Betty Williams, Rhoden

July 6, 2004

Dear Gary,

We were so sorry to read about your daughter in the paper. What a great life she had experienced. I am sure your family was very proud of her many accomplishments.

I have sent a copy of this article to Susie, she is in France with her daughter, Stephanie, and will be returning on July 18th.

Thinking of you at this time,

Betty Williams Rhoden

MICHAEL BROWN

July 6, 2004

I AM MICAELA ARTHS STEP-FATHER.JAMY AND I WERE HEART BROKEN TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS.OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.WE FEEL BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN YOUR DAUGHTER.PLEASE KNOW SHE AS LEFT HER EVERLASTING SPIRIT OF GOODNESS AND CARING.

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